Nikki & Nissa's Travel Adventures by Dr. Nicole J. Moncrief

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog!

Our readership is growing by leaps and bounds and I sincerely appreciate Each and Every One of YOU who visits.

I mentioned in a previous post that I had opened this space up for guest posts and other travel related books, articles, stories, etc. So, before we reach our final Summer 2025 Vacation Destination, I'd like to share with you a cute children's book I discovered that's all about traveling.

Nikki and Nisa’s Travel Adventure (South Africa) is a heartwarming children’s book that introduces young readers ages 5–11 to the excitement of travel, friendship, culture, and imagination. Through vibrant storytelling and engaging illustrations, Nikki and Nisa explore the beauty of South Africa while learning about language, customs, and the joy of discovering the world beyond their own backyard.

More than a travel story, this book encourages children to dream boldly, read confidently, and understand that books can be passports to places they have never been. It is a celebration of curiosity, courage, and connection.

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When I asked Dr. Moncrief to tell us why she wrote this book, here's what she said...

"Travel has always represented possibility in my life. Growing up without the financial means to explore the world physically, books became my first passport. When I finally applied for my real passport as a young adult, it symbolized more than travel; it represented access, confidence, and expansion. Nikki and Nisa’s Travel Adventure captures that same sense of wonder and introduces children to travel vocabulary, global thinking, and cultural respect in an approachable, exciting way."

She also shared this short, spiritual reflection...

Faith, Friendship, and the Journey

Travel, much like faith, requires trust. When you board an airplane, you trust that God will guide the pilot. When you step into purpose, you trust God.

Nikki and Nisa’s Travel Adventure was birthed from prayer, perseverance, and promise. It is rooted in the scripture, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8). Writing this book was not simply about travel; it was about obedience to a dream God planted in my heart decades ago.

It stands as a reminder that delayed dreams are not denied dreams, and that friendship and faith can carry us across continents both physically and spiritually.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Dr. Nicole J. Moncrief is a children’s book author, literacy advocate, and global traveler who believes that reading opens doors to the world. She has been passionate about writing since declaring in her third-grade classroom that she would one day travel the world and become an author. Today, she inspires children to dream big, embrace culture, and explore new horizons through storytelling.

Her work focuses on travel literacy, imagination, leadership, and faith-centered encouragement for young readers.

Find out more about Nikki & Nissa and get your copy of the book by visiting their Website and connecting with them on Facebook. Sign up to receive their newsletter and get free coloring pages!

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I hope you enjoyed this, our first guest post and that you'll check out Nikki and Nissa's travel adventure for the children in your life.

Until next time, take care and travel safe!

PamT

2025 Summer Vacation: Badlands National Park

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog!

So far in our 2025 vacation journey we've been to TX, NM, AZ, UT, ID and Yellowstone which resides in 3 states including WY & MT as well as ID! Today we're heading to SD and Badlands National Park but first we stay overnight at 7th Ranch RV Camp in Garryowen, Montana. This gorgeous campground is surrounded by mountain pastures and boasts of beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The bathroom is equipped with large, spacious stalls, is nicely decorated and clean, clean, clean with papertowels to dry your hands - which as you know always makes me happy. 😆

We only stayed one night, so there was no time to visit area attractions, but if you have time, there is plenty to see and do.

The next day on the way to our destination in Wall, SD, along the I-90 corridor, we were greeted with beautiful, rolling green hills dotted with pronghorn sheep and antelope. But before that, we stopped for gas at an Exxon about 60 miles before Gillette, WY. There we found friendly service and clean restrooms as well.

We arrived at Sleepy Hollow Campground, a nice place to stay for a day or so. Their shower stalls were huge and the place was clean and had a dog park on site - which is always nice if you're bringing your pet along with you!

With only 1 full day to visit Badlands National Park, we set out early the next morning and saw buffalo, prarie dogs (whole 'towns' of them!) and pronghorn sheep. But what is so amazing about Bandlands is the terrain!

You're driving along and seeing green grass then everything changes and you find this...

Sharp, jagged peaks in large ravines. Can you imagine trying to traverse this on horseback or wagons?!

No wonder they call it 'badlands'.

Here are a couple of videos to give you a better view...

After 2 afternoons/nights and a full day in Wall (yes, we visited the 76,000 sq. ft. western-themed mall but if you know me, or learned from my post on Heathrow Airport, you know I'm not a big shopper LOL!) we headed south with only 1 more tourist destination in mind before home.

I'll share that one and the stops we made along the way in my next post, so stay tuned!

Until next time, travel happy.

PamT

2025 Vacation: Yellowstone National Park Day 2

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Yellowstone National Park!

Today I'm sharing photos and videos from day 2 of our visit to the third largest national park in the lower 48 states. Alaska hosts the five largest including Denali which I visited in 2021, followed by Death Valley and Glacier (which I visited in 2017). 

Anyway...

Day 2 in Yellowstone was just as exciting as day 1 only a lot ... smellier LOL! We traipsed around the Colloidal Pool, drove around Mamoth Hotsprings lower terraces (upper right pic is of Angel Terrace) and visited the Rosevelt Arch at the North entrance.

The Colloidal pool is located in Norris Geyser Basin and believe me, if you're sensitve to awful scents, you want to stay away from this! If you listen closely, you'll hear my honey ask if there is "smell-a-vision" on my phone LOL!

The many colors and various terrain that can be found in Yellowstone is what makes it a must see. In fact, many say if you can only visit One national park in your life, make it this one.

It is certainly a memory I'll never forget.

While there, we grabbed some lunch at the store in Canyon Village, which had nice, clean restrooms despite no seat covers and hand dryers - but still had me humming a happy tune 😍

I hope you've enjoyed this recap of 2025 vacation memories. We're not done yet. Next we're heading to South Dakota and Badlands so check back and come along for the ride!

Until next time, travel safe.

PamT